Letters | Voting rights, Bill Clinton, casinos

Voting rights was a key subject at the March 5 rally for the 50th Anniversary of the MLK March on Frankfort.

Voting rights

Kentucky is one of the most restrictive states in restoring voting rights to former felons, imposing a lifetime ban on voting unless rights are restored by the governor. As a result, one of every 14 adults and one of five African Americans cannot vote without the governor's approval.

The League of Women Voters of Kentucky supports House Bill 70, putting a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would automatically restore voting rights for felons who have completed sentencing and parole, except those convicted of murder or a sex crime. The bill passed in the House, but amendments adopted in the Senate would substantially limit the number of individuals (about 100,000 of 180,000 former felons) who would benefit from the change.

It would also create greater administrative burdens for election officials. The League believes strongly that the right of citizens to vote should be protected. Those who have made a mistake should have that right reinstated once they have completed their full sentence and parole. The League supports the original version of HB 70. We encourage legislators to work out a compromise that minimizes the additional waiting period imposed by the amendments and pass the bill.

TAMMY FAGLEY and CINDY HEINE

Co-Presidents, League of Women Voters of Kentucky

Louisville 40517

Clinton advice

Unlike Rand Paul, I believe we should seek the backing and advice of Bill Clinton and I think this applies even if you happen to be Republican. Although most of us think we know something about sex and can find fault with Bill's past action as a husband very few of us know how to benefit this country and improve world affairs.

During Bill's time in the office of president: 22 million jobs were created (the most ever under a single administration;) we achieved the lowest unemployment in 30 years; $360 billion of our national debt was paid off and the highest budget deficit in our history was changed to the largest surplus. Tax credits were instituted (such as a $500 child credit) resulting in the lowest federal income tax in 35 years. Perhaps it would benefit both parties to seek Bill Clinton's advice.

LEAH B. MCKINLEY

Louisville 40206

Gaming group answers critic

Keren Henderson's Feb. 27 commentary, "Casino will hurt Louisville's downtown," provides a flawed perception of the value of casinos in local communities. Residents of the communities that have casinos will attest to the creation of good-paying jobs, small business development, community partnerships and increased tax revenue for schools and other vital services.

Henderson's allegations about the supposed harms of gaming are simply not based on facts. Consider any of the 23 states with commercial casinos - from Cleveland, Ohio, to Biloxi, Miss. - and you'll find towns transformed for the better by the gaming industry. Casinos have brought jobs to the local communities and increased tax revenue for the local government, particularly public education. Local governments have attributed casinos' presence with strengthening small businesses; increasing tourism; decreasing crime; and increasing property values.

This reality is why more and more communities across the United States are embracing gaming and the thriving economic engine it brings.

GEOFF FREEMAN

President and CEO

American Gaming Association

Washington, D.C. 20004

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Email this article

Letters | Voting rights, Bill Clinton, casinos

Kentucky is one of the most restrictive states in restoring voting rights to former felons, imposing a lifetime ban on voting unless rights are restored by the governor.